With the State of Origin fast approaching and both sides being named yesterday, we have just four matches this weekend as half the competition have the weekend off.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
Adam Reynolds suffered a concussion in Souths' loss to the Storm last week but is expected to play this Friday night, despite failing to finish the game.
Mitchell Moses made his highly-anticipated debut for the Eels last week as he will look to lead his new side to their first win with him while Michael Jennings is expected to play despite succumbing to a quad injury on the weekend.
Brad Takairangi will return in the centre's in place of Kirisome Auva'a while Nathan Brown will miss this weekend's game following a rib injury. Beau Scott will take his place in the starting side.
New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos
With Jacob Lillyman named for the Maroons, Ben Matulino is expected to take his place in the starting side while Simon Mannering and Solomone Kata are both expected to take their place in the run on side with Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad and Bunty Afoa dropping out.
Typically, the Broncos are one of the hardest sides hit during the Origin period, with skipper Darius Boyd, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates and Anthony Milford all being selected for the Maroons for next week's Origin opener.
Andrew McCullough could also miss their clash this weekend after suffering a concussion last weekend however in a reprieve for the Broncos, Ben Hunt's hamstring has come good in a timely manner for the side as he is a certainty to line up this weekend.
David Mead, Jonus Pearson and Benji Marshall are all in contention for a spot while Tevita Pangai Jnr, George Fai, Jaydn Su'a and Jai Arrow are all a chance to fill the void in the Broncos' much-depleted pack.
Is it any wonder Wayne Bennett threatened to reject a release for Milford?
Cronulla Sharks v Canterbury Bulldogs
The reigning premiers are another of the hardest hit teams this week, with James Maloney, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Jack Bird all named in New South Wales' side. Their replacements are quite straightforward, however, with Fa'amanu Brown slotting into the halves, Matt Prior starting at prop after returning from suspension while Jayson Bukuya is set to start in place of Graham. Kurt Capewell will take Jack Bird's place in the side.
Daniel Mortimer and Jeremy Latimore are in line for spots on the bench.
With Brett Morris, Josh Jackson and David Klemmer named in the Blues side, the Bulldogs will welcome back Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Francis Tualau into the starting side. James Graham is expected to play after suffering a concussion last week.
Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters
Luke Bateman will take Josh Papalii's spot in the Raiders side with Joe Tapine expected to shift to the Canberra fringe in place of the Maroon representative.
Daniel Tupou missed out on NSW selection however Blake Ferguson, Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner, Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra were selected for their respective states which leave a big hole in the Roosters side.
Latrell Mitchell's rib injury compounds the Roosters selection woes, with Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck set to earn his debut in the side while Mitchell Aubusson and Ryan Matterson also in line for a spot at the back. Connor Watson comes into the side in the halves as Isaac Liu and Zane Tetevano are expected to return.
Lindsay Collins is set for a call-up to the bench.
